Buyer’s Guide: 2013 MINI Countryman

NEW FOR 2013:

– Cooper S Countryman with front-wheel drive discontinued
– High-performance John Cooper Works model added to the mix

Canadians have quickly fallen in love with the biggest Mini in history. Offering up plenty of the original hatchback’s charm and frisky road manners with additional interior and cargo space, plus four real doors has seriously upped its appeal on dealership lots.

While the entry level Countryman carries over unchanged, the S model now features the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Despite the added all-weather versatility, Mini has pruned the price tag to less than $30,000.

It was also only a matter of time before the folks responsible for the hyperactive John Cooper Works Minis. The formerly jacked up suspension is lowered and road-hugging sports suspension has been fitted to keep the crossover flat even when hustled at great speed. The John Cooper Works Countryman also gets a thoroughly revised engine. Although power output for the 1.6-litre turbo four remains the same as other JCW cars, it now boasts BMW’s Valvetronic system for improved performance and efficiency. Total output is 208 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque – a hefty upgrade over the standard Cooper S. This also marks the first time a JCW car is being offered with a six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard).

The tamer Cooper Countryman features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, while the Cooper S gets 181 hp and 177 lb-ft thanks to a turbocharger.

Both the Cooper S and John Cooper Works Countryman come standard with a permanent all-wheel drive system called ALL4. It uses an electro-hydraulic differential that varies torque from front to rear. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, with up to 100 per cent to the rear under extreme conditions when necessary.

Features on the Cooper include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, roof rails, power mirrors, chrome door handles, “leatherette” upholstery, manual seat adjustment, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, single exhaust tip, tilt and telescopic multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, auto up/down windows, luggage compartment light, keyless entry with pushbutton start, rear wiper, vanity mirrors, interior centre aluminum storage rail, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, and satellite radio pre-wiring.

The Cooper S models add electronic locking differential control, rear spoiler, lower front air scoop, dark anthracite interior trim, double exhaust tips, Sport button, sport seats, and stainless steel pedals.

The John Cooper Works adds a full body kit, 18-inch wheels, unique shift knob, anthracite headliner, Piano Black interior trim, centre-mounted exhaust, bi-xenon headlamps, JCW leather-wrapped steering wheel, white turn signal indicators, automatic climate control and sport front seats.

1.6L I4 6MT FWD (L/100km)EnerGuide City: 8.6; Highway: 6.8
EPA City: 8.7; Highway: 6.7; Combined: 7.8